Activity Overview
A 5 Ws analysis allows students to dig into historical events and time periods with the help of a graphic organizer. In this activity, students will highlight the 5 Ws of the Canadian fur trade. Teachers may also ask students to add a 6th cell for "how", though it's not required. Below are some sample questions students may answer.
- What was the fur trade?
- Who was involved?
- When did it occur?
- Where did it occur?
- Why did it start?
- How did it impact North America?
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a spider map that highlights the who, what, when, where, why, and how of the Fur Trade.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- For each cell, answer the question with a 1-3 sentence description.
- Create an illustration that represents each answer using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements: Answer 5-6 questions about the Fur Trade and include appropriate illustrations for each.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 10 Points | Emerging 6 Points | Needs Improvement 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Description | The description is detailed and accurately answers the questions Who, What, When, Where, Why and How; clearly demonstrating student's thorough understanding. | The description is somewhat detailed and mostly answers the questions Who, What, When, Where, Why and How; demonstrating student's basic understanding. | The description is incomplete and does not answer the questions Who, What, When, Where, Why and How. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are appropriate to the topic. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are mostly accurate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are too limited or incomplete. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Storyboard text is difficult to understand. |
Activity Overview
A 5 Ws analysis allows students to dig into historical events and time periods with the help of a graphic organizer. In this activity, students will highlight the 5 Ws of the Canadian fur trade. Teachers may also ask students to add a 6th cell for "how", though it's not required. Below are some sample questions students may answer.
- What was the fur trade?
- Who was involved?
- When did it occur?
- Where did it occur?
- Why did it start?
- How did it impact North America?
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a spider map that highlights the who, what, when, where, why, and how of the Fur Trade.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- For each cell, answer the question with a 1-3 sentence description.
- Create an illustration that represents each answer using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements: Answer 5-6 questions about the Fur Trade and include appropriate illustrations for each.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 10 Points | Emerging 6 Points | Needs Improvement 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Description | The description is detailed and accurately answers the questions Who, What, When, Where, Why and How; clearly demonstrating student's thorough understanding. | The description is somewhat detailed and mostly answers the questions Who, What, When, Where, Why and How; demonstrating student's basic understanding. | The description is incomplete and does not answer the questions Who, What, When, Where, Why and How. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are appropriate to the topic. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are mostly accurate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are too limited or incomplete. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Storyboard text is difficult to understand. |
How Tos about The Fur Trade in Canada
How to Differentiate the Fur Trade 5 Ws Activity for Diverse Learners
Adapt the graphic organizer by offering templates with sentence starters or visuals for students who need extra support. This helps all learners engage with content at their own pace and ability.
Provide Choice in Response Formats
Allow students to answer the 5 Ws using written sentences, bulleted lists, audio recordings, or drawings. Multiple formats increase accessibility and student confidence.
Use Small Groups for Brainstorming
Assign students to discuss the 5 Ws in small groups before completing their own organizer. This builds background knowledge and supports peer learning.
Offer Sentence Frames and Word Banks
Provide sentence frames and key vocabulary lists related to the fur trade. This scaffolds language for English learners and students who benefit from extra structure.
Check In and Give Feedback at Each Step
Pause after each W to review student responses and offer quick feedback. Frequent check-ins prevent confusion and reinforce understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Fur Trade in Canada
What is the Canadian fur trade and why is it important?
The Canadian fur trade was a historic exchange of animal furs, especially beaver pelts, between Indigenous peoples and European settlers. It played a major role in shaping early Canadian history by driving exploration, economic growth, and cultural interactions.
How can I teach the 5 Ws of the fur trade to middle school students?
Use a graphic organizer or spider map to help students answer the Who, What, When, Where, and Why of the fur trade. Encourage them to write brief answers and create simple illustrations for each aspect to deepen understanding.
What are some sample questions for a fur trade lesson plan?
Sample questions include: What was the fur trade? Who was involved? When and where did it happen? Why did it start? and How did it impact North America?
What impact did the fur trade have on North America?
The fur trade led to new settlements, alliances, and conflicts between Indigenous peoples and Europeans. It influenced economic patterns and shaped Canada's early development and cultural landscape.
What is a good activity to help students analyze the fur trade in Canada?
A 5 Ws analysis using a spider map is effective for exploring the fur trade. Students answer key questions and illustrate each point, supporting both comprehension and creativity.
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